PAS threatens to hold massive protest if gov't ratifies Icerd

PARLIAMENT | PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang today claimed that his party could easily mobilise "millions of protesters" should the government proceed with plans to ratify the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (Icerd).

In his debate of the Supply Bill 2019, Hadi said the Parliament should not be used to recognise an international convention which he claimed was "oppressive" to Islam and Bumiputera.

"Know that it is easy for PAS to mobilise millions of people to the streets if parliament is misused to recognise Icerd's agenda which is not fair to Islam and Bumiputeras," said Hadi who later reiterated his stern warning to the government.

The Marang MP also insisted that the UN instrument is unacceptable for Malaysia, a multi-ethnic and multi-religious country.

"Do not push to the extreme. What is happening now, don't 'run the red light'...Don't demand for more than what has been given," said Abdul Hadi, citing a Malay proverb.

Even without ratification of Icerd, Abdul Hadi argued that existing provisions under the Federal Constitution is sufficient to ensure justice and protect the rights of all races in the country.

"Although Bumiputeras make up the largest number in the economic and education sector, but they are still left behind.

"Same goes with rights of Muslims, there is still many which has yet to be fulfilled, but now (to be) abolished," claimed the Marang MP.

"Supposedly it (the ratification) is in the name of justice and human rights.

"But please know that being just is to place something in its right place and not only about imposing equality," he stressed.

Amid concerns raised over Putrajaya's plans to ratify Icerd, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department P Waythamoorthy yesterday argued that the United Nations instrument could serve as a unifying tool for Malaysians.

He also reassured critics that ratification would not compromise any provisions of the Federal Constitution, a stand previously taken by other Harapan leaders, including Home Minister Muhyiddin Yassin. - Mkini